This very strange turn of events was driven by the results of a non-binding straw poll in Orlando, Florida last weekend. For those who were out searching for wherever that dead climate satellite crashed, Herman Cain won the straw poll; with Perry coming in second and Romney third.

Nevertheless, the Punditocracy immediately determined that the results proved the GOP was dissatisfied with the field and were looking for someone else to get into the race.

That someone else is Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey.

Forget about the fact that Christie said he wasn't running and that he "might have to commit suicide" to prove it. The professional political class knew better. Rich guys from New York City said they would raise big money for his campaign.

Governor Christie. The bulk of your money has been raised by rich guys in New York. How do you think that plays here in (pick one) Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina?

In Twitterville the point was made that the last time there was a boomlet for Christie, he issued a positive denial. The fact that, within 20 seconds of this current wave having built, he hadn't officially denied it again yet meant he must – HE MUST - be reconsidering.

Last night Christie gave a speech at the Reagan Library in California. The New York Times led its coverage by writing that Christie “failed to address intense speculation about his presidential ambitions Tuesday night.”

As we've discussed before, the most popular guy in almost every NFL stadium is the backup quarterback. He hasn't thrown an interception; hasn't fumbled a snap from center. Even if the fans have no clue whether he can move the team down the field, it is just the idea of having a new guy in there that is so intriguing.

About six-and-a-half weeks ago the backup quarterback named Rick Perry snapped on his chin strap and, to the roar of the crowd, took his place in the GOP backfield.

Turned out - and I'll finish torturing this metaphor after this – Perry’s lack of "reps" (running plays in practice) showed in his first debate, continued in the second debate, and had him heading to the sidelines with his head down after his third debate.

The step up in class from being the Governor of one of the largest states in the union to running in all the states in the union has been a very difficult transition for Perry.